A running discussion on the Cincinnati Reds and everything else in the baseball universe.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Minor League Notes

**Josh Fellhauer signed a contract, under went a physical, and was assigned to the Dayton Dragons on July 3rd. Manager Todd Benzinger started him tonight in centerfield and the leadoff slot. He went 0-4 with no walks or whiffs. I was curious to see what type of defensive role the Reds envisioned for Fellhauer and it didn't take long to find out. If he can stick in center, then his value will increase.

**Dragon pitching prospect Josh Ravin is currently on the disabled list, and likely will remain there for another week, with a strained pitching elbow. Hopefully, he comes back healthy and ready to build on his solid 2009 season. His first half performance for Dayton has helped him regain his prospect status. His control still needs work, but it has been much improved in the 2009 campaign.

**The Reds signed former University of North Carolina catcher and 4th round draft pick Mark Fleury to a contract and assigned him to the rookie Pioneer League. He made his debut for the Billings Mustangs on July 3rd. Originally I thought they'd start him out in low-A ball, but the Reds' conservative player development strategy continues and he starts out his career in the rookie league.

**Billy Hamilton is off to a "quick" start, to say the least, in the Gulf Coast League. In his first 9 games, Hamilton has already swiped 7 bases without being caught once. He joins Theodis Bowe to give the Reds some serious speed in the Gulf Coast League.

20 comments:

I agree, it's nice to have some speed in the system. Hamilton is a very athletic prospect, but he's pretty raw. People are starting to get excited about him, but I have my concerns about his ability to translate his impressive athletic tools into productive baseball skills.

Still, he's electric on the bases, so it'll be fun to watch him develop.

Yeah, Hamilton has been a circus in the field. By my count, he has 4 errors in 9 games at shortstop, but maybe I overlooked a couple.

The Reds may be finding out why most scouting reports and other organizations listed him as an outfielder. Still, no harm in trying him out at short to see if he can stick. Errors o'plenty are not uncommon in rookie ball, so maybe he can develop into a solid defensive shortstop.

I'm not to worried about hamilton sticking at short i was just meaning that its good to have some speed in the system. alot of players get overvalued in the minors for being fast and can be great trade bait

Im not to worried about short. I hve a feeling that if the reds make a move to make a run for the playoffs it will be for a shortstop and if not, Cozart is definatly looking like he can handle it mybe sometime next year

Yeah, Cozart is impressing with the bat. If his defense is truly as good as they say, then he could be a legitimate option to start at shortstop for us in a couple years.

That said, I'm withholding judgment on his defense. It's tough to get a read on defensive range of minor league players. Everything I've read is positive, but I need a bit more reassurance before I'm convinced that he's a top tier defensive shortstop.

As for Hamilton, he is really generating a lot of excitement among the fans. I guess the fan base is starved for speed and the excitement it can bring. Hamilton is very fast and athletic, but that doesn't always translate on the baseball diamond, especially in light of the specific set of skills required to play the game of baseball well.

I'm working on a few different posts in differing stages of completeness. I'm not sure if I'll get to all of them, but I'm planning on writing:

1) a scouting report on supplemental 1st round pick Brad Boxberger, 2) hamate bone injuries and the implications for Yonder Alonso, 3) a general look at number 1 starters, and 4) some rants about Dusty Baker, Willy Taveras, and the frustration caused by the 22-1 embarrassment of a few nights ago.

I can't promise that I'll get to any or all of those, but that's where my head is at right about now. It all depends on time constraints and inspiration striking.

has nothing to do with this article but heard that toronto offered scott rolen for EE and a AAA pitcher any truth to this and what do you think of this trade if happened and i would love it unless the AAA pitcher was zach stewart

Actually, I just heard that rumor myself. I'd absolutely love to see it happen. Rolen would be a big upgrade on defense and would likely be at least as valuable on offense. I've been done with Edwin for quite some time, as his aggregate offense and defense contributions seem like a net negative for the team.

In addition, I doubt we'd have to give up a prospect the caliber of Zach Stewart. Rolen is owed $11M in 2009 and 2010, so the Jays would be getting a younger player and a significant amount of cost savings by dealing Rolen. I don't think the value of the cost savings can be overstated in our current economic climate.

I wouldn't give up one of our top tier pitching prospects to make it happen, but a second tier guy like Daryl Thompson, Sam LeCure, or Matt Maloney would work just fine.

All in all, I think it would be a great trade for the Reds and could give the Reds a big boost for the second half. Make it happen, Jock!!!

Yeah, I've been thinking about that myself lately. Obviously, a few of the 2009 draftees will elbow their way into the top 25.

At this point, I'm not sure where I'll rank Kyle Lotzkar and Devin Mesoraco. I'll have a better feel for Yorman and Juan Duran. Clearly, Stewart and Wood have some serious helium, so they'll be moving up the list. And, it's possible (though not likely) that we'll add a prospect or two at the deadline.

It'll be interesting to see what happens in the second half. I'm a bit surprised that very few of the top 25 have been promoted to the majors. I suppose that's inevitable after graduating so much talent to majors last year. Still, I'm hopeful that they'll call someone up (Stubbs/Heisey) to fill in for Bruce and maybe give some guys a look in September.

Anyway, it's too early to say how it'll all shake out. Still, the Reds have one of the best and deepest farm systems in the game, so there will be a lot of choices.

Hmmmm, maybe I'll do that. I'll have to think on it. Not sure how much weight I would put on the new half season of performance and how I would slot in the new draftees. It's an interesting thought. Maybe I'll do that.

About Me

Blessed (or is it cursed) to be a Reds fan. I've loved baseball as long as I can remember. Played it until they told me I couldn't anymore. Now, always thinking on it.
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